It seems as though over the years my passion for holistic health and nutrition spawned an equal passion for skin care. At one point in my life i was growing trays upon trays of fresh wheatgrass, and every morning when i’d make a batch of juice to drink i’d also wear a layer of it on my face. I figured a little dose of chlorophyll and mineral rich grass juice could only do great things for my skin! I love the idea of truly organic skin care, simple recipes that are affordable and effective, that only contain ingredients that are beneficial for the skin.

About a year and a half ago i became a licensed esthetician in holistic skin care and my favorite way to pamper the skin remains using a good mask. This is a recipe that i created for a gentle exfoliating mask. It is good to use about 1 or 2 times per week to help remove dead cells, stimulate new cell production, soften and smooth the skin, while at the same time enriching the skin with essential fatty acids and nutrients. The oats and flax give texture and a scrub-like consistency to loosen skin cells manually and stimulate blood circulation. Flax is also very rich in omega fatty acids, and the gelatinous texture when combined with the oil/water is very soothing on the skin. The oils in this mask are softening, conditioning and nourishing, helping to create an exfoliant that is actually hydrating, never stripping. The evaporated cane juice crystals again add a granular texture, and is a rich source of alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic acid, a common exfoliation ingredient, is derived from cane sugar) which loosens dead cells, smoothes the skin, and brightens the complexion. The raw honey is rich in enzymes that help dissolve dead cells and impurities in the skin. Raw honey is also very healing, and combats bacterial infection. Lastly, the lavender adds a lovely scent, and is also antiseptic and very healing. These ingredients are easy to come by and utilize, nothing too exotic.<br />

Ingredients:
Finely ground (into a powder consistency) golden flax seed & organic rolled oats
Raw organic honey
Organic evaporated cane juice crystals
Organic cold pressed jojoba or avocado oil
Pure water
Organic lavender essential oil

Mix 1 tbs oat powder with 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp flax powder, and 1 tsp honey. Add a drop of lavender essential oil, and a 1/2 tsp avocado or jojoba oil. Add a few drops of water at a time to create a pancake batter consistency. Mix in a small bowl and along to sit for a few minutes to soften the oats, flax and sugar, Apply mixture all over clean skin, and gently massage. You can do this while in the shower for convenience and to avoid making a mess. After massaging mask into the skin leave it on for 5 minutes or so,  then gently rinse off.  Now the skin is perfectly prepped for any additional treatments, like an antioxidant serum and a moisturizer. Since you have increased circulation and removed dead skin cells, any subsequent treatments applied to the skin will absorb very well.

I hope you enjoy this home made organic exfoliating facial mask!